Subscriber Security Awareness

The purpose of this document is to provide our subscribers with some general awareness on internet security good practices. While the Internet provides a rich source of information and services, there are also undesirable effects such as viruses, Trojan software, and hoax emails being widely propagated. They have the capability to compromise data and software in an infected computer.

The below highlight a set of practices which can significantly lower the risk of being a victim to these malicious threats.

5 WAYS OF PROTECTING YOUR COMPUTER

• Install Anti-Virus software
  • Ensure your computer has the latest anti-virus software installed and configured to automatically update; this can prevent a majority of malicious software from infecting or harming your computer.
• Update old software
  • Ensure your computer has automatic updates turned on so important patches are installed as soon as they are available. And it is highly recommended to upgrade any legacy software such as internet browsers, office software or operating system as they often have no fixes for security vulnerabilities.
• Secure your internet connection
  • Protect your internet connections by using a strong complex password.
  • If a Wi-Fi connection is used, setup a strong password for connection and use the strongest encryption option available.
  • Useful link – Secure your internet connection
    http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/computers/secure_your_internet_connection
• Back up your data
  • Regularly perform back-ups of your data in case your computer, phone or tablet is lost, stolen or fails.
  • Two main options to back-up data:
    • Use a removable storage device (USB or external hard drive)
    • Use an online cloud service
  • Useful link – Back up your data
    http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/computers/back-up_your_data
• Turn on your personal computer firewall
  • Firewall software can limit what network traffic reaches your computer. The absence of a firewall (properly configured) is like leaving the front door of your home open.
  • Useful link – Turn Windows Firewall on or off
    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/turn-windows-firewall-on-off#turn-windows-firewall-on-off=windows-7

SAFE INTERNET USAGE

• Protect your Username and Password
  Never give out passwords. Never share your password with anyone else or use someone else’s password. And avoid using the same password for multiple applications. Use complex passwords with a combination of characters and symbols.
• Avoid opening scam or hoax emails and websites
  Scam or hoax emails are often broadcast to multiple email addresses to lure unsuspecting recipients to click on a malicious/hoax link, download a malicious attachment or disclose sensitive information such as bank account details or username and password. Useful links - http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/your_identity/avoiding_scams_and_hoaxes
• Secure online transactions
  On a web page, check if there is https:// at the beginning of the address bar and a locked padlock in the browser for any online transactions using sensitive data such as banking and credit card details. This ensures the website uses encryption and is secure.
• Using Social Networking websites responsibly
  When engaging in social networking activities; always act diligently and wary of disclosing certain information such as phone numbers, birth dates or driver’s license numbers. In addition, review your privacy settings to prevent unintended disclosure of information.

USEFUL LINKS

Some useful links for advice on protecting your computer:
http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/home
http://www.getsafeonline.org/

Anti-Virus software is provided by a number of vendors such as:
http://www.bitdefender.com.au/
http://au.norton.com/antivirus/
http://www.kaspersky.com/total-security-multi-device
http://www.trendmicro.com.au/au/home

No security software will guarantee protection against unauthorised access to your system or data, or protect against virus infection, but use of security software will significantly reduce the risks. Equifax does not receive commission from the sale of any security software or services.